Germany urges nonviolence in Ukraine protests

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Wednesday called on all parties in Ukraine to stop any form of violence in the country's ongoing mass protests. In an interview with German TV channel ARD, Westerwelle said the main interest of Germany lies in a peaceful situation in Ukraine, while urging Ukrainian authorities "to protect peaceful demonstrators with an clear goal of seeking closer ties with Europe, and to ensure the right of citizens for assemblies." Ukraine has seen weeks of mass protests since the announcement of a decision by President Viktor Yanukovych on Nov. 21 to suspend signing an association agreement with the EU, a path to eventual EU membership, in favor of keeping closer ties with Russia instead. "The association agreement with the EU is of great advantage for Ukraine," Westerwelle added. "It would bring many investments to the country from Europe. Only by coming toward Europe, could live conditions in Ukraine permanently be improved." Westerwelle also noted the EU is willing to take more steps in establishing closer ties with Ukraine. In addition to the association agreement, negotiations and dialogues with the European Investment Bank and the European Monetary Fund are also in consideration, he said.